Sugar and cleaning up our eating

Things are going well with our "clean eating." Really it is a modified clean eating plan since I haven't completely cut out sugar. It is impossible. We equate certain activities with getting to have a treat like candy (we went to the movies to see Brave and of course had to have popcorn and candy). I know if I wanted to, I could really just change that thinking, but it is a treat that I am willing to keep. Besides, I am not so sure that I could convince my kids that eating berries at the movie theater is a normal practice.

I have been very surprised at what does contain sugar, though. It just speaks to how much food manufacturers cater to our sweet tooth. I decided to try a clean-eating crock pot chicken and dumplings recipe. I didn't follow the directions to the letter and it just didn't turn out very good. I will try it again, but this time was a bust. (In fact, I threw it out without taking more than one bite, so I was pretty disappointed.) I was surprised, though, because I noticed one of the ingredients was sugar-free chicken broth.

Sugar in chicken broth? I had just purchased some containers of organic chicken broth to be ready to make the chicken and dumplings and I hadn't even looked at the ingredient list. Could it be possible that chicken broth contains more than just water, chicken, and salt? I picked up the box and there it was: sugar is the third ingredient on the list. The total sugars in the nutrition facts amounts to 1g, but still; just another source of sugar! Even if you are being careful you can ingest sugar from places you never thought possible. I was shocked by this discovery. I just don't understand why sugar is necessary in broth. Unfortunately, this means I will have to seek out sugar-free broth or make my own.

Last week I picked up some agave nectar at the store. I was interested in the flavor and how it would taste with things like oatmeal. I have been putting a little bit of honey on my oatmeal in the morning, but I tried the agave nectar this morning. There isn't much flavor except sweet. I had these fears that it would have a weird flavor; in fact, I was afraid it would taste like tequila. However, it was perfect for my oatmeal. I also wanted to make an apricot/raspberry pastry (I was able to get raspberries for buy 1 get 2 free at Vons) and so I heated some in a saucepan with the agave nectar to sweeten them and make a sauce. We have yet to try that treat! Why agave nectar? Just to try it. Any sugar is sugar, and you should limit your overall intake of all sugars, but I was interested in this "trendy" sugar. It has been touted as an alternative for diabetics due to its lower glycemic index, but it is sugar nonetheless. Best to stick to fresh fruit and keep sugar at a minimum.

And since I am focusing on fresh foods for eating, I have shifted my couponing efforts to personal care items and cleaning items. This week I was able to get a refillable schick razor for $1.77 at Walmart (always good to stock up on these when they are on sale or cheap with a coupon). I am trying to take stock and figure out our needs as well. I had previously bought quite a bit on sale and with coupons, so we have been using our stockpile and I had taken a break from buying any personal care items. But we are starting to get low on a couple things (toothbrushes, deodorants, razors, shaving cream...) so I will let you know if I find any good deals.

Hope you are finding good deals...Good luck to you!
--Katie